born Nov. 6, 1833, Hokksund in Eiker, Nor.
died July 5, 1908, Stavern
Norwegian novelist.
He wrote his first novel, The Visionary or Pictures from Nordland (1870), with his wife's collaboration. Later novels include The Barque "Future" (1872), One of Life's Slaves (1883), and the classic The Family at Gilje (1883), which deals with the position of women. He sought to reflect in his writings the nature, folk life, and social spirit of his country. With Henrik Ibsen , Bjornstjerne Bjornson , and Alexander Kielland (18491906), he is considered one of "the four great ones" of 19th-century Norwegian literature.